Though it is a constant fixture in America’s public consciousness—those famous Rose Garden press conferences, Oval Office photo opportunities, Marine One landings on the South Lawn—the White House itself is far less often a media subject of its own. But leave it to Donald Trump to drag the nation’s most famous domicile to the front and center of national news by allegedly declaring it “a dump.” These words (though refuted by a White House spokesperson) came to many as a jarring descriptor of what is perhaps one of the best museums of American history in existence, but as a centuries-old building, the White House's need for intermittent updates is understandable. Maybe Trump will find the home more to his liking now with the recent completion of a $3.4 million overhaul to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

This current president, however, is certainly not the first to have his hand at revamping the White House. Here, we chronicle major renovations to the famous home through the years.

An early elevation drawing of the original White House by James Hoban.

Photo: via Wikimedia

1789–1800: The New Seat of a New Nation

Helmed by George Washington himself, the process for building a home for the young nation’s leader began with a competition. The president’s favorite came from Irish-born architect James Hoban, whose work Washington had admired in Charleston’s County Courthouse. Construction on the classically-inspired structure began in 1792 and finished in 1800, just in time for the country’s second president, John Adams, to call it home.

Another original plan drawing by Hoban.

Photo: Getty Images

1814: Rebuilding from the Ashes

During the war of 1812, British soldiers set fire to 14-year-old house (and a number of other government buildings) in what is now described as the Burning of Washington, forcing then president James Madison into a temporary residence elsewhere in the city. Hoban would oversee the reconstruction, which was completed in 1817. Hoban, working with architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, would later add the now-famous South and North Porticos in 1824 and 1829, respectively.

A drawing of the White House and its grounds, circa 1850.

Photo: Getty Images

1881: Victorian Obsession and a Tiffany Window

Chester Arthur, successor to the assassinated James Garfield, set out to add a staunchly Victorian flair to the White House after he took office. His contributions included a giant Louis Comfort Tiffany screen and gilded tracery throughout, all the while putting a great deal of the home’s existing furnishings up for public auction.

1902: A Classical Renovation Courtesy of Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt enlisted the help of architectural firm McKim, Mead and White to oversee a much needed expansion, which would include the addition of the West Wing. The classically leaning design team also removed Arthur’s Victorian additions.

1942: An Addition to Conceal

Under Franklin Delano Roosevelt an East Wing would be added with the primary mission of concealing an underground bunker now known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center. Since then, the East Wing has generally served as office space for the First Lady and her staff.

The White House renovation under Truman.

Photo: Getty Images / Smith Collection / Gado

1948–1952: Wear and Tear Requires Renovation

Under the Truman administration it became clear that the White House was in need of a serious structural rehab. So began a four-year reconstruction effort, including a new steel frame, that would displace the president and his family to nearby Blair House until 1952.

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy gives a CBS News correspondent a tour of the newly redecorated White House in January 1962.

Photo: CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

1961: Jacqueline Kennedy Redecorates with Dignity

If Truman saved the home’s structural integrity, then the Kennedys saved its historical integrity. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, along with the help of Sister Parish, Henry de Pont, and Stéphane Boudin, famously redecorated the White House with historic art and artifacts sourced from museum collections and prominent American families. The public was treated to a tour of the revamped house in a now iconic televised special.

1979: A Sustainable Future

In many ways ahead of its time, the Carter administration installed the White House's very first computer as well as a set of water-heating solar panels. The panels were removed by the Reagan administration and later reinstalled under George W. Bush.

FOLLOW US

Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 5/25/18) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated 5/25/18). Architectural Digest may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Your California Privacy Rights The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices